DOT' Requirements for Observed Collections

DOT Requires you to Notify the Driver for an Immediate Observed Collection without any Prior Notice.

Drug Testing Instructions - Observed Collection

1. Login to your Express Labs account

2. Click “Order Drug Tests” on the Top Left Tabs

3. Select the Reason for Testing (Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up)

4. Choose a Collection Site by entering the ZIP Code (Collection Fees Included)

5. Click “Complete Order”

6. Check your Email for the QPassport from Quest Diagnostics within 1 Hour

7. Driver must bring the QPassport (printed or on your phone) to the Site Selected on the QPassport

• Notify the Driver only after you have received the QPassport and Called the Collection Site to Confirm the Site is Open and has a Same-Gender Collector for an Observed Collection.  Sites may not begin a Collection within 3 Hours of Closing (Drivers have 3 hours to provide Sample)

• Drivers Failure to Get Tested Immediately after being Notified is a Refusal-to-Test which is the same as a Positive Result

• Employers Failure to Notify Drivers Promptly may lead to Legal Liability if a Driver has not been Notified and is in an Accident involving an Injury or Fatality

• Why Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up?  Most Collectors will not Observe a Pre-Employment or Random Drug Test - even if the QPassport or Paper Form is Marked "Observed"

• What is an Observed Collections? A Same-Gender Collector accompanies the Driver into the Restroom and must watch the urine stream go directly into the Container.

• QPassport Orders: Members are only charged for Results not Orders.  Place a new order if you need to change locations or if you entered incorrect information

Abnormal pH

• Urine pH in a DOT Drug Test should be 4.5–8. Levels outside this Range may show Tampering, Dilution, or Substitution and require Retesting under Direct Observation

Immunoassay Interference

• Interference with Creatinine Levels from Medications, Metabolites, or Abnormal Values may cause False Positives or Negatives, leading to Retesting under Direct Observation

Invalid Creatinine

• Creatinine confirms if a Urine Sample is Genuine. Very Low or Abnormal Levels may indicate Dilution or Substitution, requiring Retesting under Direct Observation

Bottle A & Bottle B – Different Appearance

• DOT Tests split Urine into Bottle A (Primary) and Bottle B (Split). If the Bottles look different, it may signal Tampering or Contamination and require Retesting under Direct Observation

Temperature-Out-of-Range

• Urine must be 90°F–100°F at Collection. Readings outside this Range suggest Tampering or Substitution. Drivers must give a Second Sample under Direct Observation or face a Refusal-to-Test

Specific Gravity

• Specific Gravity checks Urine Concentration. Out-of-Range results may indicate Dilution or Adulteration and require Retesting under Direct Observation